Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

Bluetick Coonhounds are expert treeing dogs that know how to track animals for their masters. They are able to follow the scent of animals like raccoons until they finally tree the creature and wait for their master to come for the final kill. They have a strong instinct to trail and “tree” animals. Beyond hunting, coonhounds make active and friendly companions. Coming from the Blue Gascons, French Staghounds and foxhounds, Bluetick Coonhounds feature similar attributes to these breeds. They are medium-sized with white fur lying beneath their forest of blue ticks. A tan color is usually found on their paws, muzzles and on spots in their eyebrows. At the top of their muscled body and limbs, Bluetick Coonhounds have drop ears similar to those of the Bloodhound as well as a strong nose for scent tracking. They have good eyesight at night and an instinct to chase small animals when they catch their scent. On the other hand, they will get along well with animals, that aren’t raccoons, and children. They are loving and easygoing as well as agile creatures. Coonhounds get along with mostly everyone and warm up quickly to strangers. When put to work, they are intense workers and enjoy having a job to do especially if it is tracking. Be sure to train Bloodhounds from an early age because they can be stubborn and difficult to train. They do best with an owner who has an active family and lives in a suburban or rural area with a fenced yard where this rambunctious breed can play.

TEMPERAMENT

Coonhounds are friendly with almost everybody as well as good-natured dogs. While they can be initially wary of strangers, they will warm up quickly to new people. Blueticks have great endurance and can be stubborn when they catch a scent. They are generally obedient, outgoing and hard working. These dogs stay calm while at home and play well with children and other dogs. Keep in mind that they are treeing dogs who will chase small animals including raccoons and potentially cats. After the initial training difficulties, Blueticks will respect their owners. As intelligent dogs, they are good problem solvers and will become destructive if not given enough space to expend their energy. Bluetick Coonhounds may drool quite a lot and have a tendency to bark and howl. Their welcoming howl can be mistaken as aggression when they welcome newcomers.

GROOMING

The care needed for the Bluetick Coonhound breed is minimal. Their coat should be brushed, their ears should be cleaned often and they should only be bathed when necessary.

HEALTH

As deep-chested animals, Bluetick Coonhounds are often susceptible to the major health issue of bloat. This health concern is a serious threat to dogs and often fatal as it is the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer. Less serious health concerns for this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia.

EXERCISE

Be sure to give these dogs daily exercise. While a run or walk will suffice, Bluetick Coonhounds can also get sufficient exercise from a raccoon hunt.

TRAINING

Bluetick Coonhounds can be stubborn and therefore require early training to ensure they will respect their masters in the future. Once a coonhound learns its training, it will acknowledge their master’s commands.